Lake Baikal
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2015 —
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A groundbreaking lidar study revealed distinct aerosol optical properties along a 10,000 km route from Paris to Lake Baikal, highlighting significant differences between European and Siberian aerosols. The research identified that Russian urban aerosols, particularly in cities like Ulan-Ude, exhibit higher particle depolarization ratios (PDR) (>2%) compared to Europe (<1%), likely due to terrigenous aerosol lifting by traffic. Biomass burning layers from southern Russia showed lidar ratio (LR) values ranging from 65 to 107 sr and PDR between 3% and 4%. Additionally, desert dust aerosols from the Caspian and Aral seas regions were characterized for the first time, with LR of 43 ± 14 sr and PDR of 23 ± 2%, extending over 2300 km and lasting approximately six days. The study used a mobile lidar equipped with N2-Raman and depolarization channels to profile aerosol optical properties in the low and middle troposphere, providing unprecedented insights into aerosol distribution and characteristics across this vast region.
Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa
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2015 —
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A study on the Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa reveals that the Inca empire, centered in Cusco, employed earthquake-resistant construction techniques. The research explores the geology of the Peru–Chile trench and subduction zone, highlighting the Nazca plate's role beneath South America. It also debunks a bogus American earthquake prediction, focusing on the cultural and geological significance of the Nasca lines, which depict various animals and were only discovered from the air in the 1920s. The study combines ocean-bottom core sampling with historical analysis to shed light on both the geology and the mysterious origin of these ancient geoglyphs.
Tasmanian Wilderness
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2015 —
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A notable aspect of Michael Black QC's address in the High Court Tasmanian Dam case is its evocative and poetic quality, which transcends traditional legal argumentation. This study examines the text to uncover the performance, emotion, and spirit embedded within Black's oratory, identifying three deliberate steps that evoke a sense of limitlessness in the connection between self and nature. By analyzing these elements, the research reinterprets Black's address not merely as a legal narrative but as an experience that challenges conventional constitutional discourse.
Timbuktu
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2015 —
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Public writing and its erasure during Mali's northern crisis (2012–2013) emerged as a strategic tool for asserting political dominance, shaping the linguistic warscapes of Gao, Kidal, and Timbuktu. These cities' multilingual environments—featuring French, Arabic, Tamasheq, Latin, Arabic, and Tifinagh scripts—became battlegrounds where language and script symbolically controlled public space. Unlike the oral soundscape, dominated by Tamasheq alongside lesser-documented languages, the linguistic landscape (LL) reflected a complex interplay of power, ideology, and literacy regimes. The study reveals that LL in multilingual, multigraphic contexts cannot be isolated but must be analyzed within broader linguistic ecologies to understand its political and social implications.
The Persian Garden
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2015 —
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Persian gardens and parks, steeped in centuries of cultural narratives and philosophical ideologies, continue to influence contemporary urban landscape design in Iran despite the diminishing role of traditional narratives due to urbanization. This study reveals that while sociocultural shifts have transformed recreational behavior in urban parks, the legacy of Persian garden ideology—particularly the emphasis on spaces of stillness—persists in shaping modern park layouts and usage. The research examines the evolution of cultural attitudes reflected in these landscapes, employing a historical and anthropological approach to trace how 'habitus' (deeply ingrained habits) and ideological shifts interact with urbanization, altering but not erasing traditional influences.
Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque
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2015 —
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The Parque Nacional Palenque, Chiapas, México, hosts a rich and diverse flora with 484 recorded species across 319 genera and 100 families. Fabaceae and Rubiaceae emerged as the most representative families, while Psychotria, Ficus, and Piper stood out as the most species-diverse genera. Notably, four species are endemic to Chiapas, and nine are listed in the IUCN Red List, highlighting the site's ecological significance. This comprehensive floristic inventory, derived from field collections in 2008 and herbaria database reviews, underscores Palenque's importance for conservation efforts due to its restricted distribution elements and species under threat.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2015 —
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A groundbreaking study reveals the first broad-scale image of lithospheric thickness across Alaska, highlighting significant variations tied to tectonic domains. The research, using S wave receiver functions alongside potential field, seismic velocity, and heat flow data, identifies a 130 km thick lithosphere beneath the Brooks Range, suggesting strong lithospheric resistance that redirects strain southward. In southern Alaska, beneath the Chugach and St. Elias Mountains, a thinner (80–90 km) North American lithosphere overlies a deeper interface linked to the Yakutat microplate, extending its influence to the Wrangell Volcanic Field. Thin lithosphere (<90 km) in eastern Alaska correlates with inboard crustal seismicity, potentially indicating compression from the Yakutat collision. The findings offer critical insights into regional deformation models, emphasizing the need for further data from the Transportable Array to assess lateral continuity.
Lut Desert
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2015 —
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Eastern Iran, encompassing regions such as Kopet Dagh, Dasht-e Lut (Lut Desert), and Makran, exhibits significant lithospheric thickening and temperature variations. This study reveals that the crust and lithosphere thicken notably in Kopeh Dagh and Sistan Heights, while remaining thin in Makran and Lut, with evidence of subduction beneath the Makran zone. The research employs a two-dimensional thermal modeling approach, offering high accuracy and efficiency compared to traditional methods. By analyzing a profile from Makran to the Turan platform, this method enables comprehensive regional studies, providing insights into geological phenomena with speed and precision.
Hoi An Ancient Town
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2015 —
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Hoi An Ancient Town demonstrates that living heritage, when combined with community participation, can significantly enhance sustainable preservation and reduce tensions between local residents and broader urban development. The study highlights the importance of a community-based approach to heritage management, which supports locals in maintaining their way of life while preserving cultural significance. However, it also identifies a key limitation: the lack of facilitators hinders deeper community engagement. This research contributes new insights into how living heritage can bridge social, economic, and environmental scales beyond designated World Heritage boundaries, offering a model for balancing preservation with dynamic urban growth.
Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata
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2015 —
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Eighteenth-century encounters with the ruins of Herculaneum and Pompeii significantly influenced diverse intellectual and political thought, demonstrating that these archaeological sites were not merely objects of nostalgia or sentimentality. The study examines how four prominent figures—Camillo Paderni, Johann Joachim Winckelmann, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and Sir William Hamilton—leveraged the unique proximity to the past offered by these excavations to develop innovative arguments on topics ranging from Neapolitan Bourbon rule to the history of Earth. This research highlights the profound impact of these discoveries on eighteenth-century discourse, revealing their role in shaping a broad spectrum of ideas beyond mere aesthetic appreciation.
Ancient City of Nessebar
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2015 —
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The Ancient City of Nessebar, Bulgaria, faces significant challenges due to the interplay between tourism development and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An ethnographic study reveals that post-1989 economic liberalization has intensified pressures on heritage conservation, with private investors and corrupt practices undermining safeguarding efforts. Residents grapple with complex issues such as trust in institutions, property rights, social justice, local identity, and the transformation of cultural heritage into economic capital. The study highlights conflicting dynamics between tourism interests and heritage preservation, offering insights into the broader tensions surrounding World Heritage Sites.
City of Quito
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2015 —
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Quito's historic center, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, exemplifies both positive and negative impacts of such recognition on urban development in South America. While demographic and socio-economic data reflect local policy effects, the study questions whether UNESCO's influence extends beyond these outcomes. It explores the balance between urban development needs—such as infrastructure for over 2 million citizens—and heritage preservation, particularly through compliance with UNESCO and ICOMOS reports. The research examines how these international guidelines shape local decision-making, challenging assumptions about the power dynamics between global conservation efforts and local governance. By analyzing urban plans and policy implementations, the study seeks to clarify whether UNESCO's designation fosters or hinders balanced socio-economic development in historic cities.
Kinabalu Park
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2015 —
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Local communities surrounding Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, exhibit strong positive perceptions of tourism development, viewing it as a significant improvement to their income resources and quality of life. This finding underscores the potential for rural tourism to serve as an economic driver in marginalized mountainous regions, aligning with global trends that highlight its benefits for social regeneration and community empowerment. The study employed quantitative methods, distributing 378 questionnaires to residents in villages adjacent to the park, to assess their involvement in and benefits from tourism development. Results suggest that local engagement in the tourism sector can foster sustainable economic growth while enhancing living conditions, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to leverage tourism for rural development.
Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago
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2015 —
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Protected area management often overlooks the complex interplay between local communities and their environments, leading to unintended consequences for both conservation and development. A study on Cat Ba Island, Vietnam, reveals that while protected areas like Cat Ba National Park and the UNESCO-listed Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve aim to conserve biodiversity, they also disrupt traditional livelihoods dependent on forest resources. The research highlights a shift from unimpeded natural resource exploitation to biodiversity conservation, with local ecological knowledge (LEK) evolving from species exploitation to ecosystem awareness. However, this transition is challenged by reduced forest access, leading to the erosion of LEK and limited success in alternative livelihoods. The study underscores the need for adaptive strategies that balance conservation goals with community needs, offering insights applicable to similar global contexts.
Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea
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2015 —
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Despite the local extinction of its primary seed disperser, the red-rumped agouti, the spatial distribution of the endemic palm <em>Astrocaryum aculeatissimum</em> remains unaffected in Tijuca National Park, Brazil. The study, conducted in a 1.56-hectare plot, revealed that most individuals (228) were in the juvenile stage, with aggregation patterns typical of palm species. Seedlings and infants did not cluster near adults, while juveniles and immature individuals were found closer to adults than expected. Dispersal distances for seedlings (mean ± sd = 11.8 ± 7.8 m) mirrored those reported for agouti-mediated dispersal in other studies, suggesting that short-term absence of the disperser does not alter the palm's spatial dynamics.
Lamu Old Town
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2015 —
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A significant portion of the world's documentary heritage, often hidden in vulnerable and inaccessible archives, holds untapped potential for reinterpreting historical phenomena. The Riyadha Mosque manuscript collection in Lamu, Kenya, exemplifies this, preserving Islamic knowledge that remains underexplored due to its fragility and limited accessibility. To address this gap, the Endangered Archives Programme at the British Library marked its tenth anniversary by documenting and publishing such neglected collections online, ensuring their preservation for future research. This effort highlights the critical role of digital archiving in safeguarding endangered knowledge before it is lost, offering new avenues for historical reinterpretation.
Aldabra Atoll
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2015 —
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An 11-year study of landbird populations on Aldabra Atoll reveals increasing trends for six out of seven monitored species. The research analyzed survey data to assess the impacts of location, season, and habitat on abundance while also evaluating how monitoring factors like observer numbers and weather influenced results. Findings suggest no immediate conservation concerns for these landbird species, though the study highlights the need for improved monitoring protocols to account for variability in data collection. This long-term dataset provides critical insights for managing bird populations in this unique ecosystem.
Pitons, cirques and remparts of Reunion Island
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2015 —
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Piton de la Fournaise, a basaltic volcano on Reunion Island, exhibits long-term mass transfer from its summit to the eastern flank, contributing to the formation of the Grandes Pentes relief. This process is evidenced by strain distribution analysis derived from a dense GNSS network installed since 2007. The study reveals that during summit deflation (2011-2014), the upper eastern flank extended eastward while the lower flank contracted, steepening the topographic slope. This deformation regime indicates progressive loading of the lower flank by the upper one, suggesting a potential instability. The research also highlights how volcanic 'pulsation'—alternating inflation and deflation—enhances rock fracturing, reduces stiffness, and increases permeability, providing insights into the volcano's structural dynamics.
Petra
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2015 —
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A study conducted by the Brown University Petra Archaeological Project (BUPAP) reveals significant and ongoing looting and vandalism around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra, Jordan. Through intensive field surveys, feature documentation, and test excavations, researchers identified patterns of illegal excavation and defacement of archaeological heritage, both within and outside the Petra Archaeological Park. These activities often result in artifacts being sold to tourists, exacerbating the loss of cultural heritage. The findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced monitoring and protection measures to safeguard this iconic site. This study provides critical documentation of these destructive practices over a three-year period, advocating for stronger local authority intervention based on empirical evidence.
Palmeral of Elche
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2015 —
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Elche, Spain, has leveraged its UNESCO-recognized heritage—including the Palmeral of Elche, Misteri d'Elx, and the Museo Escolar de Pusol—to mitigate economic decline by promoting tourism as a sustainable development strategy. The study reveals that while the Palmeral and Misteri form a 'tríada identitaria' driving external branding efforts, the Museo de Pusol, despite its UNESCO recognition, remains underutilized in local tourism strategies. This discrepancy highlights a mismatch between global heritage recognition and local integration, with the former prioritizing outward-facing valorization while the latter sustains traditional culture internally. The research applies a 'mediation model' to analyze top-down practices shaping Elche's identity and tourism development.
Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena
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2015 —
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During the 18th century, Cartagena and its arsenal emerged as the primary naval facility of the Spanish Mediterranean, defended by three interconnected fortification systems. The first system comprised perimeter ramparts and a battery to safeguard the shipyard itself, while the second focused on marine defense through batteries at the harbor's mouth. The third system addressed land-based threats with town ramparts and external forts on key hills. These defenses proved effective in protecting both the arsenal and the city from external attacks, remaining operational until the early 20th century when many were abandoned. This study highlights the strategic architectural and military significance of these fortifications during a pivotal period for Spain's naval power.
Old and New Towns of Edinburgh
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2015 —
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Historical British construction treatises from the 17th and 18th centuries, often dismissed for their focus on architectural orders, contain valuable practical insights into construction techniques and materials. This study reveals that these treatises—rooted in Italian and French traditions but adapted to British conditions—document detailed knowledge about elements like foundations, walls, windows, chimneys, and stairs, as well as materials such as brick, lime, stone, mortar, and iron. A key finding is the direct link between post-Great Fire of London (1666) reconstruction demands and the codification of new techniques in treatises, with similar but less urgent developments in Edinburgh following fires in 1698. The research compares treaty prescriptions against surviving buildings in London and Edinburgh to validate their practical application. This work is crucial for modern restoration efforts, offering a bridge between historical practices and contemporary conservation challenges.
Cueva de las Manos, Río Pinturas
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2015 —
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A groundbreaking open letter to the people of Cueva de las Manos, Río Pinturas, Argentina, sheds light on the cultural and historical significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study reveals the intricate relationship between the site's rock art, its natural environment, and the indigenous communities that have inhabited the region for millennia. By integrating geospatial analysis with ethnographic insights, the research offers a nuanced understanding of how these communities have preserved their heritage while navigating modern challenges. This approach not only highlights the importance of Cueva de las Manos as a living cultural landscape but also serves as a model for sustainable conservation practices in similar sites worldwide.
Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct
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2015 —
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This study establishes Luis Laorga as a pivotal figure in Spanish architecture of the mid-to-late 20th century, highlighting his significant contributions through over 600 projects, including award-winning designs like the Basilica of Aránzazu and the Segovia Aqueduct area. Laorga's work, characterized by its rational yet expressive approach, spans diverse scales—from monumental educational complexes (e.g., Laboral Universities) to intimate residential designs—while integrating social initiatives, such as community housing in Madrid's periphery. The research documents his unique architectural language, marked by material innovation, structural rigor, and adaptive design, offering a critical framework for analyzing his oeuvre within Spain's post-war architectural landscape. By synthesizing historical documentation with formal analysis, the study aims to position Laorga's legacy in its rightful place, addressing a notable gap in existing scholarship.
Historic Site of Lyon
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2015 —
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A historic building, known as the 'maison du chamarier,' located in the heart of Vieux-Lyon near the Cathedral Saint-Jean-Baptiste, has been recognized for its architectural significance. This structure, comprising three L-shaped buildings with three to four stories that open onto a southern courtyard, was designated a Monument historique in 1943. Adjacent to it is another more recent building also listed as a historic monument, together forming a complete urban block. The study highlights the architectural and historical importance of this ensemble, which reflects the urban development and preservation efforts in Lyon, France.
Ningaloo Coast
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2015 —
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Macroalgae significantly inhibits coral larval settlement and increases recruit mortality at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. A nine-month field experiment demonstrated that macroalgal biomass was up to 40 times greater in caged treatments compared to controls, leading to a 93% reduction in coral larval settlement. Coral recruits in the presence of macroalgae exhibited 79% lower survival and were up to 58% smaller with 75% fewer polyps. This research highlights that macroalgae not only suppresses coral recruitment but may also maintain dominance through a positive feedback loop, exacerbating reef degradation.
Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church
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2015 —
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A remarkable collection of over thirty magic texts, donated by monks with occult interests to St. Augustine's Abbey in Canterbury during the late thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries, reveals a significant shift toward more positive attitudes toward magical ideas in medieval Europe. These texts, which combined justifications for magic with other genres, demonstrate how religious insiders integrated magical studies into their orthodox worldview without contradiction. By analyzing this unique collection, Sophie Page's <em>Magic in the Cloister</em> sheds light on the evolving acceptance of magic within monastic life and broader intellectual culture during this period.
Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church
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2015 —
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Monks at St. Augustine's Abbey in Canterbury integrated learned magic into their religious practices, justifying its study through intellectual discernment and pragmatic utility despite official condemnations. Sophie Page's analysis of the abbey's occult texts—including astral magic, Hermetic works, and image magic—reveals a nuanced approach where monks distinguished between permissible and prohibited forms of magic, such as natural magic (used in medicine) versus necromancy. The collection, enriched by donations from monks like Michael Northgate and John of London, demonstrates a persistent interest in occult knowledge, blending spiritual devotion with scholarly inquiry. Page's study highlights the abbey's role in preserving and transmitting magical theories, including the transfer of power from higher to lower forms, which persisted even after the dissolution of St. Augustine's in 1538.
Xinjiang Tianshan
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2015 —
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A loess section in Xinjiang, China, reveals that magnetic properties are primarily influenced by paleowind intensity and pedogenesis, with ferrimagnetic components dominating the magnetic signal. Unlike the Chinese Loess Plateau, superparamagnetic fractions linked to pedogenesis are limited here, indicating caution when using magnetic susceptibility for paleoclimatic assessments. Instead, the χARM/SIRM ratio shows potential as an alternative index for weakly pedogenic degrees in this arid region.
Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems
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2015 —
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A comprehensive analysis of the Lagoons of New Caledonia reveals that coral reef trophic networks are sustained by a diverse range of organic matter (OM) sources, varying significantly in origin and composition. The study found that δ13C isotopic signatures were more effective than δ15N in identifying these sources, which include mangroves, seagrass beds, rivers, and marine particulate OM. Spatial variations along a coast-to-barrier reef gradient showed that while river-derived OM dominates near the coast, marine-derived OM becomes prevalent on barrier reefs. The relative importance of different OM sources shifts seasonally and spatially, with seagrass, Trichodesmium spp., and macroalgae gaining prominence further from the coast. This research underscores substantial trophic connections between coral reefs and surrounding ecosystems, emphasizing the need for fine-scale environmental assessments to understand broader patterns.
Timbuktu
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2015 —
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Timbuktu's enduring legacy as a center of scholarly activity is illuminated through the lives and practices of three key bookmen spanning from 1864 to 2013. This study reveals how Timbuktu's tradition of manuscript copying, collecting, and reading persisted across generations, despite external pressures. By focusing on a contemporary scholar, his late teacher—a renowned Arabic grammar specialist—and the zealous collector who bridged the 19th and 20th centuries, the research underscores the resilience of Timbuktu's intellectual heritage. The approach combines biographical narrative with an analysis of book-related activities, offering a nuanced perspective on Timbuktu's role in African book history.
Brasilia
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2015 —
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Brasília’s identity is not static but shaped by dynamic cultural negotiations. This study reveals how music, music videos, creative non-fiction, and poetry from 2009 to 2014—by artists like Nicolas Behr, Ellen Oléria, Viela 17, Sexy Fi, and Augusto Rodrigues—reflect the city’s evolving spatial meanings and resident subjectivities. Drawing on Lefebvre’s and Massey’s theories of social space, the research demonstrates that Brasília’s significance emerges from ongoing cultural interactions rather than fixed geographic boundaries.
Itsukushima Shinto Shrine
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2015 —
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Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, faces increasing threats from urban encroachment and natural disasters due to global warming. Despite its historical significance as a symbol of Japanese tradition and harmony with nature, the shrine's sensitive geographical setting is under pressure from residential and commercial development, particularly in surrounding hilly areas. The study highlights the need for integrated management strategies that balance tourism growth, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. It emphasizes the importance of considering both the protected property and its broader geographical context to ensure the long-term conservation of this iconic site.
Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch
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2015 —
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Transdisciplinary approaches offer significant potential for balancing conservation and economic development in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but their effectiveness is threatened by inherent power dynamics. A study on the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch World Heritage Site highlights that while such collaborative frameworks foster mutual learning among diverse stakeholders, the benefits are often undermined by power struggles within participatory processes. The research re-examines three key challenges in transdisciplinary settings: stakeholder integration, perceptions and positions, and negotiability and implementation, demonstrating both the promise and limitations of this method for sustainable management.
Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia
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2015 —
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Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia showcase stunning geological formations shaped by erosion of soft volcanic rocks into distinctive pillars and minaret-like structures. The study focuses on managing cultural uses and features within this unique landscape, addressing challenges related to preservation while accommodating tourism and heritage conservation. The research likely employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating geological analysis with cultural heritage management strategies to ensure sustainable protection of these iconic formations.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
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2015 —
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A pragmatic risk assessment framework was developed to manage hazardous substances in the Economic Botanic Collection (EBC) at Kew, identifying over 1300 specimens with potential health risks. By categorizing hazards based on physical form and condition rather than taxonomy or detailed phytochemistry, researchers prioritized high-risk categories through generic assessments. This approach enabled the creation of an Outline Action Plan to mitigate risks for staff, volunteers, and visitors, balancing scientific rigor with practical conservation needs.
Kakadu National Park
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2015 —
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Manganese (Mn) toxicity is significantly higher in slightly acidic, soft waters—such as those found in Magela Creek, Kakadu National Park—compared to previously studied conditions. Research reveals that three tropical freshwater species (<em>Moinodaphnia macleayi</em>, <em>Amerianna cumingi</em>, and <em>Hydra viridissima</em>) are more sensitive to Mn than nearly all species tested internationally, with chronic inhibition concentrations (IC10) as low as 140 μg/L. The study combined existing data with new findings to derive a 99% protection guideline value of 73 μg/L for Mn in such environments, highlighting the need for stricter regulatory limits due to elevated toxicity under these conditions.
Shark Bay, Western Australia
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2015 —
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Shark Bay, Western Australia, hosts a unique ecosystem where mangrove-associated macroalgae and cyanobacteria thrive under extreme conditions. This study reveals the diversity and ecological significance of these organisms, highlighting their resilience in high-salinity environments. Researchers employed field surveys, molecular analysis, and morphological examinations to document 123 species, including 58 cyanobacterial taxa, many of which were previously undocumented in the region. The findings underscore the importance of Shark Bay as a biodiversity hotspot, with implications for understanding microbial adaptation to extreme conditions and conserving its ecological uniqueness.
Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
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2015 —
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A previously overlooked role of Manuel López Cepero, dean of Seville Cathedral and renowned 19th-century Spanish art collector, has been revealed: he functioned as a key intermediary in the painting trade between Madrid and Seville. Analysis of his unpublished personal archives demonstrates that Cepero's collecting activities were intertwined with his work as an art dealer, enabling him to sell some of the finest works from his collection through an extensive network of clients, including leading collectors and dealers—many of them foreigners—as well as trusted correspondents. This research sheds new light on the functioning of the painting market in court circles during the first half of the 19th century, expanding our understanding of Cepero's influence beyond his celebrated private collection.
Los Glaciares National Park
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2015 —
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A comprehensive thematic map of the natural environments surrounding two major glaciers, Perito Moreno and Upsala, within Los Glaciares National Parkwas successfully generated using integrated optical and radar satellite data. The study leveraged polarimetric RADARSAT-2 imagery alongside Landsat 5 TM optical data to identify, characterize, and describe physiognomic natural forest units, contributing valuable insights into the ecological and geographical dynamics of this critical Patagonian landscape. Digital processing and supervised classification techniques were employed to merge radar and optical datasets, with all thematic cartography integrated into a Geographic Information System (GIS) for spatial analysis.
Angkor
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2015 —
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This study demonstrates that very-high-resolution (VHR) aerial imagery, combined with object-based image analysis (OBIA) and supervised classification techniques, can accurately map and characterize canopy tree species at the Angkor World Heritage Site in Cambodia. The research found that multiresolution segmentation effectively delineated individual tree crowns with high accuracy (69.22%), showing strong congruence with field-measured values for tree height (Spearman's rho 0.589) and crown width (0.782). Maximum likelihood classification outperformed spectral angle mapper methods for species identification, with textural information marginally improving accuracy. The findings highlight the potential of VHR aerial data and OBIA-based approaches for forest mensuration studies, offering valuable insights for conservation efforts in Cambodia's tree species.
Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar
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2015 —
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Cultural mapping projects can successfully operationalize deep participation when agents negotiate its meaning and stakes, leading to meaningful urban development outcomes. This study analyzes the 'Manobras no Porto' project, demonstrating that genuine participation—beyond mere consultation—requires diverse motivations and skills from stakeholders. The research highlights the complexity of participatory processes in cultural mapping, emphasizing their role as exercises of negotiation between involved parties. By examining this Portuguese case, the study contributes to theoretical debates on governance, urban development, and the practical implementation of participatory cultural strategies.
Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines
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2015 —
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Systematic exclusion of indigenous women traders from Guanajuato's historic center, designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site, undermines both economic benefits and cultural heritage preservation. Since 2012, authorities under the Institutional Revolutionary Party have marginalized these women through visual and spatial policies, displacing them from commercial spaces despite their role in sustaining local handicraft traditions. The study reveals a tension between heritage tourism's economic gains and social equity, highlighting how political interests drive exclusionary urban policies that disproportionately affect indigenous women.
Medina of Marrakesh
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2015 —
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Despite legal protections, the open trade of spur-thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca) persists in Marrakesh's historic medina. A recent reassessment found 820 tortoises for sale across 17 shops during surveys in 2013-2014, with 63% measuring around 4-10 cm—equivalent to ages of 2-8 years—and only 4% being larger individuals. Prices ranged from USD $1.00 for 4 cm tortoises to USD $7.50 for 13 cm ones, increasing linearly with size. The trade remains largely unregulated, defying Morocco's protected species legislation enacted in 2013 but not yet enforced. This study highlights the ongoing illegal wildlife trade in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement to curb this practice.
Everglades National Park
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2015 —
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Invasive Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) are directly linked to the dramatic decline of mammals, including marsh rabbits, in Everglades National Park (ENP). A large-scale experiment revealed that pythons accounted for 77% of rabbit mortalities within 11 months, suggesting they could preclude the persistence of rabbit populations. Control sites outside ENP showed no python-caused mortalities, with 71% of deaths attributed to other mammalian predators. The study provides strong evidence that pythons pose a significant threat to the faunal communities and ecological functioning of the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, potentially worsening as their range expands.
Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona
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Martí de Riquer (1914–2013), Marqués de Casa Dávalos, was a pioneering Catalan philologist and literary scholar whose extensive contributions reshaped the understanding of medieval Occitan literature and its influence on Golden Age Spanish literature. His lifelong work bridged Catalan humanism with broader European literary traditions, culminating in seminal studies that redefined scholarly approaches to medieval texts. Riquer's academic career, marked by resilience during the Spanish Civil War and a prolific output spanning seven decades, included groundbreaking publications like <em>L’humanisme català</em> (1934) and <em>Para leer a Cervantes</em>, which earned him Spain’s highest literary honors, including the Premio Príncipe de Asturias. His legacy endures through generations of scholars he mentored and his influence on Catalan and Spanish cultural identity, exemplified by tributes such as the 2008 ceremony at Palau de la Música Catalana. Riquer’s interdisciplinary methodology—combining archival preservation, textual analysis, and pedagogical innovation—set a benchmark for medieval studies.
Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore
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2015 —
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Masonry walls of Shish Mahal, a historic Mughal monument within Lahore Fort, Pakistan, exhibit significant deterioration due to dampness, erosion, and mortar degradation. The study identifies these factors as primary contributors to structural distress, threatening the integrity of the 17th-century structure. Using a combination of material analysis and environmental assessment, researchers propose remedial solutions aimed at preserving the architectural heritage. This work highlights the urgent need for targeted conservation strategies to mitigate weather-induced decay in similar historic masonry structures.
Lake Baikal
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2015 —
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A significant ecological shift has been observed in Lake Baikal, with the mass development of green filamentous algae, particularly Spirogyra fluviatilis and Stigeoclonium tenue, in its southern littoral zone. This phenomenon, previously undocumented in the lake, was recorded between 2008 and 2013, reaching up to 317 ± 143 g/m² in phytomass during peak periods (November) and covering stone sediments completely. The study combined field observations with laboratory analysis to assess the intensity of this development, marking a notable departure from Lake Baikal's historical algal composition. This discovery underscores potential changes in the lake's ecosystem dynamics.
Burgos Cathedral
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2015 —
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Historic stained glass 'grisailles,' used to define contours and add depth, have been analyzed for their material composition and conservation state across Spanish cathedrals from the 16th to 20th centuries. The study reveals significant variations in production techniques and materials over time, with grisailles primarily composed of iron oxides but also incorporating copper, zinc, lead, or manganese, mixed with binders like lead glass. Advanced techniques such as synchrotron radiation micro-XRD, SEM-EDX, and LA-ICPMS were employed to examine thin cross-sections, uncovering complex mixtures of pigment particles, crystalline compounds, and weathering products. These findings are crucial for understanding the aging process and informing conservation strategies for these delicate artifacts.
City of Valletta
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2015 —
WHE6AFF207D86
A mathematical algorithm underpinning the urban grid of Lisbon's Baixa Pombalina district has been identified, suggesting strong influences from Valletta's 16th-century layout. This discovery supports the hypothesis that the post-earthquake reconstruction (1755) in Lisbon was not only a product of enlightened rationalism but also a deliberate application of geometric principles rooted in humanist ideals. The study analyzed street widths, comparing them with those in Valletta's plans, and found consistent patterns that align with mathematical rules described by Jäger. This connection underscores the enduring influence of humanistic urban design across centuries and continents.
